Ivan - I've built 8' 6" 4wt, 9' 4 wt, 9' 6wt, all 2 pc. I think they are excellent blanks - straight, quality finish. I've built on the RX7 series. In my experience the RX7 builds into a mod\fast rod in both action and speed. I do use Batson's (manufacturer of Rainshadow) Forecast single foot ceramics for the running guides.

Here are two examples. The first is the 8'6" 4wt in the green color. The wraps are Gudebrod Classic Twist Black\Orange. The second is a 9' 4wt in the matte clear finish(wrapped in my favorite school colors )

Don - thanks. I have found that taking a high-resolution, digital photo and putting on a computer screen is a great way to see opportunities for improvement .

Ivan - I get my Rainshadow blanks, Forecast guides and reel seat skeletons from Bob McKay at Custom Tackle Supply in Shelbyville TN. He does not have the Forecast up on his site, but you can call him at 931 684-1755. BTW, below is a picture of the Forecast guides with Blue zironia and Ti ring inserts. These are the first guides on a spinning rod, but I actually use SF fly guides for the rest of the way out, just don't have a picture. I included a picture of the grips\seats to show how the ring color can be matched for a color theme. Forecast also has a Gold ring insert in a Ti colored frame. I have some for a project I'm starting next and think they are great looking.

GregLS - this is Gudebrod Classic Twist. I get it from Custom Tackle. It is Gudebrod's updated nylon version of the varigated silk threads that some of the bamboo masters used. Comes in a number of combinations -black\gold, Black\green, black\silver, etc

Seed: I did check Bob's site Monday and did not see the Forecast components there so I gave up on him. I'll give him a call.
Pete: I think my H&H blank is actually a Rainshadow blank. I matched their specs and they are identical for every rod including the two color choices. So I quess where both building on Rainshadow blanks. I let you cast mine if you let me cast yours